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BULLETIN 

OF THE 

Newport Historical Society 

Number Forty-four NEWPORT, R. I. April, 1923 

The Commission of Governor Coddington and 
the Early Charters of Rhode Island 



A Paper read before the Society February 19, 1923, by the 

President. 

Note — In this paper a very brief attempt is made to show the impres- 
sion which the presentation of such a commission as that given to William 
Coddington of a life governorship was likely to make upon the minds of the 
early settlers of Rhode Island ; emphasizing its utter lack of agreement 
with their strong views of self government and also the contrast between 
its character and that of the charters which they obtained for their govern- 
ment from England. 



When the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth upon the fo| 
covered shores of New England, they had no authorit;^r6m 
the Crown of England either to the land, upon wlj^i t^fey 
erected their houses and which they began to culti|^te. nd^ 
to the system of self-government which they adofk^d. In "-"^ 
spite of the fact that in that most remarkable cof^ijact, 
drawn up and signed in the cabin of the Mayflowj^fi^. ^' 
the first delineation of absolute equality and free govern- 
ment which the world had known, they state, "We whose 
names are underwritten, the loyall subjects of our dreade 
soveraigne, Lord, King James, etc.," they had from him no 
power to "Combine themselves together into a civill body 
politick," They were squatters upon land belonging to the 
London Council and deliberately cut otf in their self-gov- 
ernment from all relations to their fatherland. But the 
very nature of the document proves the breadth of their 
vision, the strength of their personal character, and the 
extent of their ambition. 




^d AiX 
Similar in independence and qualities of individual 
adventure were those who settled Massachusetts Hay who, 
although they brought with them a patent and a charter, 
yet manifested the same desire for freedom and demand for 
self-government which characterized all the early settlers 
of New England. 

That the men who settled Providence and Rhode Island 
were like their predecessors at Plymouth and Massachusetts 
is evident from the manner in which they organized their 
government. AYith no precedent (to follow, they established 
such institutions as had never before been put forth. 
First, Roger Williams, without a charter or authority from 
England, formed a sort of government which was the sim- 
plest kind of democracy; wherein all questions were set- 
tled by the landowners in town meeting; and althougli 
this gradually developed into a somewhat more positive 
form of government, the people of Providence were not 
tied down by any definite code of laws. The settlers ol 
Aquidneck, though similarly self-governing, before leaving 
Boston formed a more orderly organization, as follows: 
"The seventh day of the first month, 1638, we whose names 
are underwritten do hereby solemnly in the presence o» 
.Tehovah, incorporate ourselves into a body politick, and 
as He shall help, will submit our persons, lives and estates 
unto our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord o> 
Lords, and to all those perfect and most absolute laws ol 
I lis given us in His holy word of truth, ito be guided and 
judged thereby, ..." further "We do elect and 
constitute William (A)ddingfon a judge among us, and do 
covenant to yield all due honor unto him according to the 
laws of God, and so far as in us lies to. maintain the honou^ 
and privileges of his i)lace which shall hereafter be ratified 
according unto God. The Lord help us so to do." This 
was followed by the following oath : "I, William Cod- 
dlnglon, Esq., being called and chosen by the freemen in- 
cori)orate of this body politic to be a judge amongst them, 
do covenant to do justice, give judgment impartially, ac- 
cording to the laws of God, and to maintain the fundamental 
rights and privileges of this body politic which shall here- 
after be ratified according unto God. The Lord help me so 
to do." 



Thus, at the bcginnin<f of the orifanization of the town 
of Portsmouth William Coddington was the leader, and 
those associated with him were firmly determined to act 
in accordance with their own judi»ment, being lead by the 
leaching of the word of God as they understood it. From 
the lirst, therefore, they were not people either to be driven 
by others or to acknowledge obedience to anyone, exccpit as 
the result of their own selection of a leader. 

Having settled themselves, as did Roger Williams, upon 
land not claimed by Plymouth or Massachusetts Bay, they 
were encroaching upon the rights of the London Council, 
to which all this region had been given by the Crown of 
England. 

In 1643 Providence, Portsmouth and Newport, which 
three towns existing side by side were friendly, with occa- 
sional causes for disagreement, united in the determination 
to obtain from England a definite right to their lands and to 
their independent government. Accordingly, in 1()42 at New- 
port by the General Court, it was ordered, "That a committee 
be appointed 10 consult about the procuration of a patenit for 
this island and islands, and lands adjacent, and to draw up 
l)elition or petitions, and to send letter or letters for the 
same end to Sir Henry Vane, and that if any opportunity be 
presented they shall have full power to transact and send 
to the forenam'd gentleman or any others whom they shall 
think meet, for the speedy effecting of said business." Sim- 
ilar action having been taken by the people of Providence, 
Roger Williams was appointed as the representative of the "**v 

[hree towns, and embarked for England in 1643 to carry out 
the plans so described. After an absence of a year and a 
half, he returned, bringing with him the following Charter 
from the Council : 



♦This charter was given in the name of the Earl of Warwick, who was 
chairman of a committee appointed by Parliament to control the affairs of 
the colonies. The King had fled from the capital and the Long Parliament 
was ruling England. 



-Jk 



* Patent of Providence Mar. 14-24, 1643 /^ 

. . . .Whereas. . . .there is a Tract of Land 
....called by the Name of the Narragansett 
Bay; bordering Northward and Northeast on 
the Patent of the Massachusetts, East and South- 

















- 








■■'^^^■"^ ■■■■■II 




m 





THE CODDINGTON CHARTER 



east on Plymouth Patent. South on the Ocean, 
and on the West and Northwest hy the Indians 
called Nahigganneucks, alias Narraganselts; 
the whole Tract extending about Twenty-five 
English Miles unto the Pequot River and Coun- 
try. 

And whereas divers well afiected and in- 
dustrious English Inhabitants, of the Towns of 
Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport in the 
tract aforesaid, have adventured to make a 
nearer neighborhood and Society with the great 
body of the Narragansetts, which may in Time 
by the blessing of (lod upon their FLndeavours. 
lay a sure Foundation of Happiness to all 
America. And have also purchased, and are 
purchasing of and amongst the said Natives, 
some other Places, which may be convenient 
both for Plantations, and also for building of 
Ships, Supply of Pipe Staves and other Mer- 
chandize. And whereas the said English have 
represented their Desire. . . .to have their hope- 
ful Beginnings approved and confirmed, by 
granting unto them a Free Charter of Civil In- 
corporation and Government; ... .In due Con- 
sideration of the said Premises, the said Robert 
Earl of Warwick,. .• and the greater number 
of the said Commissioners,. . . .out of a Desire 
to encourage the good Beginnings of the said 
Planters, Do, by the Authority of the aforesaid 
Ordinance of ilhe Lords and Commons,, .grant 
.... to the aforesaid Inhabitants of the Towns 
of Providence, Portsmouth, and Newport, a free 
and absolute Charter of Incorporation, to be 
known by the Name of "The Incorporation of 
Providence Plantations, in the Narragansett 
Bay, in New England.". .Together with full 
Power and Authority to rule themselves, and 
such others as shall hereafter inhabit within 
any Part of the said Tract of land, by such a 
Form of Civil Government, as by voluntary con- 
sent of all, or the greater Part of them, Ihey 



shall find most suitable to their Estate and Con- 
dition; and, for that End, to make and ordain 
such Civil Laws and Constitutions, and to in- 
flict such punishments upon Transgressors, and 
for Execution thereof, so to place, and displace 
Oilicers of Justice, as they, or the greatest Part 
of them, shall by free Consent agree unto. 
Provided nevertheless, that the said Laws, Con- 
stitutions, and Punishments, for the Civil Gov- 
ernment of the said Plantations, be conforma- 
ble to the Law^s of England, so far as the Nature 
and Constitution of the place will admit. And 
always reserving to the said Earl, and Com- 
missioners, and their Successors, Power and 
Authority for to dispose the general Govern- 
ment of that, as it stands in Relation to the Rest 
of the Plantations in America as they shall con- 
ceive from Time to Time, most conducting to 
the general Good of the said Plantations, the 
Honour of his Majesty, and the Service of the 
State...." 

It would seem that this charter granted all the powers 
of self-government which even the bold and free indepen- 
dent spirits of those towns could desire. But there were 
diversities of interests, so that for three years no definite 
action was taken to carry out the plans suggested by this 
dociunent. As Palfrey in his history declares, "With reso- 
lute perverseness they still stood apart, each settlement 
Irom the other settlement, and paretics from within cacli set- 
tlement from other parties." 

Into such harmony of action and agreement as pre- 
vailed they also took the town of Warwick, so that these 
four towns. Providence, Portsmouth, Newport and Warwick 
gradually grew closer together until in 1(517, "It was agreed 
that all should set their hands to an engagement to the 
charter." A full code of laws was at this tinu- eslai)lished, 
and it was agreed as follows: "Eor-as-much as we have 
received from our noble lords and honoured governors, 
and that by virtue of an ordinance of the Parliament ot 
England, a free and absolute charter of civil incorporation, 

6 



we do jointly ai^ree to incorporate ourselves and so to re- 
main a body politic. ... it is agreed that the form or 

government established in Providence Plantations is 
Democratical, that is to say, a government held by the free 
and voluntar}^ consent of all, or the greater part, of the free 
inhabitants." John Coggeshall was elected President and 
Roger Williams, William Coddington, and others assist- 
ants, but as Palfrey adds, "The machine had taken some 
three years to construct and set a-going, after its construc- 
tion had been authorized by the patent. In three years 
more it ran down." Why, we may well ask, with such men 
who knew their own minds, with such broad powers as they 
had, with such a liberal government, should there have 
been trouble, especially as Roger Williams and John Clarke 
were doing all they could to maintain the union and a 
friendly spirit? 

Although we may not enter fully into the feeling of 
those men and what caused their troubles, some light may 
be cast upon the matter if we recall the name by which in 
this charter the combination of these towns was called. 
Roger Williams, who procured the charter, had the name 
given to it, "The Incorporation of Providence Plantations 
in the Narragansett Bay in New England." There was no 
reference in the name to Aquidneck, or The Island of Rhode 
Island, which instead of being independent was thus implied 
to be a part of Providence. What our predecessors on this 
Island thought of that we are not told, but the slight ac- 
quaintance with human nature would suggest a feeling of 
irritation and antagonism on their part, for Newi)ort was 
larger at that time than Providence and more intluential. 
This may have caused the delay in acting under the chartei* 
which would require them to acknowledge the use of this 
name, and as we shall see later when John Clarke brought 
his charter back from England the inhabitants of this island 
had their revenge in the name which was then given to the 
colony. 

Another hint regarding the cause of trouble may be 
found in the differences known to exist between 
William Coddington and the others. From the beginning 
of the settlement at Portsmouth until this year, when the 
government was organized under the charter, Coddington 



had every year been elected President of Rhode Island, now 
for the first time he saw himself put in second place and 
John Coggeshall in the first. And although tlie next year 
Coddington was again elected President, there were evi- 
dently disturbances in connection with his relation to the 
community, for at the very time that he was thus elected 
we find the following record: "It is ordered that whereas 
there are divers bills of complaint exhibited against Mr. 
Coddington who was elected President, that if the President- 
elect be found guilty, or being cleared of such charges re- 
fuse the place, that then the assistant of Newport, to wit, 
Mr. Jeremy Clarke, shall be invested in his place." This 
suggested matter of bills of complaint would imply that 
the trouble had gone pretty far in Coddington's relation 
to others, nor was he conciliatory, for we are told from the 
records, "That the President-elect did not attend the court 
for the clearance of the accusations charged upon him." 

It would appear also that Coddington was not pleased 
with the patent wliich Williams had obtained nor of Ihe 
relations with Warwick where Gorton was a constant source 
of trouble. 

Palfrey also remarks that Coddington was in favour of 
the royalists in England, while Clarke and Easton, the lead- 
ers of the dominant party on the island, were strongly 
republican. It is known also that a sliort time before this 
Cochlinglon also had, in conjunction with Captain Par- 
tridge, sent a letter to The Confederacy of the other New 
England Colonies from which Rhode Island luid hitherto 
kept aloof. This letter contained a request as follows, that, 
"We, the islanders of Rhode Island. .. .may be re- 
ceived into the combination with all the united colonies ol 
New England in a prime and i)erpelual league of friendship 
and amity, of offence and defence, mutual advice and succor 
upon all just occasions for our nuitual safely and welfare, 
and for ])reserving of peace amongst ourselves, and pre- 
venting as nuich as may be all occasion of war and differ- 
ence, and to this on motion, we have the consent of the 
major part of our island." This was a startling state paper 
to be presented by two who claimed to represent the major- 
ity. Whether they did or not, it was plainly evidence of a 
strong feeling on the part of Coddington that something 

8 



should be done to remedy existing evils. The Commis- 
sioners of the other Colonies in their reply refused the 
request. 

It is evident that the mind of Coddington was greatly 
disturbed, and the result of these various matters upon him 
was his departure to England, which occurred the following 
January. 

And now with Coddington in London, persuaded in 
his own mind that the Colony would run upon the rocks, 
and seeking some way by which it might be steered into 
harbour, we have the scene laid for the entrance into Rhode 
Island's history of this remarkable document which is the 
particular object of our paper. 

On the 30th of January, King Charles the First was be- 
headed and the whole government in England went into 
the hands of Parliament. Coddington proceeded to make 
friends with the governing powers, and although we are 
ignorant of just what transpired, we are in no more uncer- 
tainty than were the people at home to whom news came 
of Coddington's having some strange design, and the Colony- 
was much disturbed. Two years passed while Coddington 
was in London, the Parliament of England being so intent 
upon more important matters as not to concern itself with 
this little Colony of Rhode Island. What means he pursued 
we do not know, but in April, 1661, he obtained from the 
Council of State this commission signed by John Bradshaw, 
the President, authorizing him to govern the Island of Rhode 
Island and Conanicut, with a council of six men to be namea 
by the people and approved by himself. 

Commission to William Coddington as Governor of the 
Islands of Aquidneck and Conanicut 

Whereas by a late act of Parliament of Ihe 
3d of October, it is granted to the Council of 
Slate to have power and authority over all 
sucli Islands and all other places in America 
as have been planted at the cost, and settled by 
the people and Authority of this nation. And 
there or in any of the said Islands and Places 
to institute Governors and to grant Commission 



or Commissions to siicli Person or Persons as 
they sliall think fit, and to do all just things 
and to use all lawful means for the benefit 
and preservation of the said Plantations and 
Islands, in peace and safety until the Parlia- 
ment shall take over and further order therein. 
Any letters Pattente or other Auilhority for- 
merly granted or given to the contrary not- 
withstanding. 

And whereas William Coddington, Esq., at 
the great hazard, cost, and charges of himself 
and others, did about the year 1637 resolve to 
plant or set down upon Aquidneck, alias Rhode 
Island, and Qunnungate, being islands inhabi- 
•tated and frequented by the Indians, lying 
within the Narragansett Bay in the Northern 
part of America, and did for valuable consid- 
eration purchase the said Island of and from 
the two chief Sachems of the Narragansetts and 
of the neighborhing Sachems of South Ancett; 
and of and from the two petty Sachems of the 
said Island with the consent of the Native peo- 
ple thereof, wherein the said William Cod- 
dington and others have ever since been and 
now are in quiet and peaceable possession and 
seizure. 

Forasmuch also as the said William Cod- 
dington aforesaid and others are desirous to 
go on in the populating and planting of the 
said Islands and to j)ut themselves and the said 
Islands under the protection of this State; and 
to hold and enjoy the same by and under the 
grant, power and authority of this Nation and 
State of England. The said Council for the 
better encouragement of the said adventurers, 
and carrying on so good a work, rei)osing con- 
fidence in the abilities, wisdom, faithfulness and 
good affection of you, the said William Cod- 
dington, do by these presents make and consti- 
tute you to be (iovernor of the said Islands, 
hereby giving and granting unto you, the said 



10 



William Coddington, full power and authority 
to take upon you the ollice and exercise of the 
Government of the said Islands, and to cause 
equal and indifferent justice to be duly admin- 
istered to all the good people in the said Islands 
inhabiting, according to the law established 
in this land, as far as the Constitution of those 
places will permit; and in the name of the 
Keepers of the Liberties of England by Author- 
ity of Parliament and to use and observe the 
same and no other form or stile in all Com- 
missions, Writings, Deputations, Instructions, 
and in all other legal and civil proceedings, but 
according to the forms directed by this present 
Parliament, since the Abolishing of Kingship 
and Alteration of Government, 

And you are further to raise forces for de- 
fence; and execute and do all other just things 
and use all lawful means to settle, improve and 
preserve the said Islands in peace and safety 
until the Parliament shall take other and fur- 
ther order therein, into whom or to the Council 
you are to give an account of your proceed- 
ings, from tyme to tyme, and to present as 
things emerge, what you conceive to be for the 
good of the said Islands and for the advantage 
and interest of this Commonwealth in the well 
ordering and disposing of the same. 

Moreover you, the said William Codding- 
ton, after your entrance upon the government 
of the said Islands, are to call unto yourself, 
for the better discharge of your otiice and gov- 
ernment, a council consisting of Persons right- 
fully qualified for judgment and good affection 
to the interest of this commonwealth, not ex- 
ceeding the nund)er of six, after the manner 
hereafter set down and expressed, viz: That 
the said Persons shall be nominated by such 
freeholders of tlie towns of Newport and Ports- 
mouth within the said Islands as shall be well 
affected to the government of this Common- 



11 



wealth, according to your instructions, and the 
Act in that case provided, and afterwards 
cliosen and conlirnicd by you, the said (iov- 
ernor, which said Persons so nominated and 
aflerwards chosen by you, the said Governor 
as aforesaid, or any three, or more of them, 
shall sit in council and all to be assisting unto 
you in the alfaires belonging to your trust, until 
that tyme twelve months, at which tymc a new 
Election is to be made as aforesaid and so an- 
nually. 

And you have hereby power and are au- 
thorized to lender the Engagement in these 
words: "I doe declare and promise that 1 will 
be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of 
England, as it is now established without a King 
or House of Lords, to those who shall be from 
tyme to tyme elected as aforesaid to be of your 
said Councell;" which Engagement they are 
to subscribe before they act anything as Coun- 
cellors as aforesaid to be of your said Councell; 
and you are also to tender the said Engage- 
ment to all those who by this present Commis- 
sion are to have a voyce in the said Election 
who have not hrst subscribed the said Engage- 
ment. The said Persons or Councell are hereby 
also authorized in case of your absence or 
death, to make choice of some other fit person, 
qualified as aforesaid, to succeed you in the 
Government until the Parliament or Council of 
Slate shall give further order therein, care 
being taken always by yourself and Councell, 
that the Interests of this Connnonwealth be 
preserved according to the just and true mean- 
ing of the powers, herewith to you given. 

Signed in the name and by order of the 
Councell of State ap]K)inte(l by the Authority 
of Parliament. 

John Bradshaw, 

President. 
Whitehall, April 1651, 

Of the Councell. 

12 



• . 



Of Coddinglon's intentions we need not be too criti- 
cal. He certainly thonght he saw the decadence, if not the 
destruction, of this Colony to which he was so strongly 
devoted, and like many other strong men felt that he was 
the Moses who was to lead this Israel out of Egypt. 

We may safely concede him to have been the leader 
and the most intluential man in the Colony. 

But when this Commission first made its appearance 
in Newport it created a much greater excitement than its 
presence in our archives creates today. The towns of Provi- 
dence and Warwick were called together in an assembly, 
and being in fear as to what effect this commission might 
have upon the charter under wdiich they were then living, 
they urged Roger Williams to leave home and attempt to 
obtain from Parliament a ratification of that former charter. 
In the meantime, they determined to act under it as 
though the Commission to Coddington had nothing to do 
wdth them. 

In the towns of Newport and Portsmouth still greater 
excitement prevailed. Arnold tells us that in that 
same month, "Forty-one of the inhabitants of Portsmouth, 
and sixty-five, being nearly all of the freemen, in Newport, 
joined to persuade Dr. Clarke to go out and obtain a repeal 
of Coddington's commission." And Williams and Clarke 
sailed together for London. This was in October. The fol- 
lowing Sej)tember a letter from Mr. Williams was received 
at Providence, saying that the Council had granted leave to 
the colony to go on under the charter until the coYitroversy 
was settled, and in October the Council issued an order 
vacating the commission of Coddington and directing ah 
the towns to unite under the charter. 

One year later, in May, 1653, Mr. Coddington upon 
demand refused to surrender the statute book and rec- 
ords, saying he had received no order from England to 
resign his commission. Matters remained in such an un- 
settled state of difficulty between the tow^ns and also be- 
tween them and Coddington, that in July, 1654, Roger 
Williams returned, leaving Clarke in England. Finally, in 
May, 1656, Mr. Coddington having been elected commis- 
sioner from Newport, an investigation was had by the As- 
sembly, and Coddington submitted as follows: 

13 



"I, William Coddington, doe hereby submit to the 
authorilie of His Highness in this Colonie as it is now 
united, and that with all my heart." 

Thus ended his claim to the life-governorship. 

In KUi.'J the General Court of Commissioners convened 
at Newport to receive the results of the labors of John 
Clarke in England, the Royal Charter of Charles H, with the 
following ceremony. 

"At a very great meeting anti assembly of the freemen 
of the colony of Providence Plantations, at Newport, in 
Rhode Island, in New England, November the 24th, 1663. 
The abovesayd Assembly being legally called and orderly 
mett for the sollome reception of his Majesty's gratious 
letters pattcnt unto them sent, and having in order thereto 
chosen the President, Benedict Arnold, Moderator of the 
Assembly," it was, "Voted :That the box in which the King's 
gratious letters were enclosed be opened, and the letters with 
the broad seal thereto afiixed be taken forth and read by 
Captayne George Baxter in the audience and view of all the 
people; which was accordingly done, and the sayd letters 
with his Majesty's Royall Stampe, and the broad seal, with 
much becoming gravity held up on hygh, and presented to 
the perfect view of the people, and then returned into the 
box and locked up by the Governor, in order to the safe 
keeping of it." 

This remarkable document, a monument to the effi- 
ciency and loyalty of .John Clarke, was as follows: 

CHARLES THE SECOND. (&c.) . . . . : 
WHEREAS WEE have been informed, by the 
humble petition of our trustie and well beloved 
subject, John Clarke, on the behalf e of Benja- 
minc Arnold, William Brenlon, William Cod- 
dington, Nicholas Easton, William Boulston, 
John Porter, John Sniitli, Sanuiell (iroton, John 
Weeks, Roger Williams, Thomas Olnie, Greg- 
orie Dexter, John Coggeshall, Joseph Clarke, 
Randall HoldcMi, John Greene. John Roome, 
Sanuiell Wildbore, William Fifield, James Bar- 
ker, Richard Tew, Thomas Harris, and William 
Dyre. and the rest of the purchasers and ilree 
inhabitants of our island, called RHODE ISL- 

14 



AND, and the rest of the colonic of Providence 
Plantations, in the Narragansett Bay, in New 
England, in America, that they, pursueing with 
peaceable and loyall mindes, their sober, seri- 
ous and religious intentions, of godlie edifieing 
themselves, and one another, in the holie Chris- 
tian ffaith and worshipp as they were per- 
swaded: together with the gaineing over and 
conversione of the poore ignorant Indian 
natives, in those partes of America, to the sin- 
cere professione and obedience of the same 
ffailh and worship, did, not onlie by the con- 
sent and good-encouragement of our royall pro- 
genitors, transport themselves out of this kin- 
dome of England into America, but alsoe, 
since their arrivall there, after their first set- 
tlement amongst other our subjects in those 
parts, ffor the avoideing of discorde, and those 
manie evills which were likely to ensue upon 
some of those oure subjects not being able to 
beare, in these remote partes, theire different 
apprehensiones in religious concernments, and 
in pursueance of the afforesayd ends, did once 
againe leave theire desireable stationes and 
habitationes, and with excessive labor and trav- 
ell, hazard and charge, did transplant them 
selves into the middest of the Indian natives, 
who, as wee are informed, are the most potent 
princes and people of all that country; where, 
by the good Providence of God, from whome 
the Plantations have taken their name, upon 
theire labour and Industrie, they have not onlie 
byn preserved to admiration, but have in- 
creased and prospered, and are seized and pos- 
sessed, by purchase and consent of the said 
natives, to their ffull content, of such lands, 
islands, rivers, harbours, and roades, as are 
verie convenient, both for plantationes and 
alsoe for buildinge of shipps, suplye of pype- 
staves, and other merchandize; and which 
lyes verie commodious, in manie respects, for 



15 



commerce, and to accommodate oure southern 
plantationcs, and may much advance the trade 
of this oure realme, and greatlie enlarge the 
territories tliereof, they haveinge, by neare 
neighbourhoode to and friendlie societie with 
the greate bodie of the Narraganse'tt Indians, 
given them encouragement, of theire own ac- 
corde, to subject themselves, theire people and 
lands, unto us; whereby, as is hoped, there 
may, in due tyme, by the blessing of God upon 
theire endeavours, bee layd a sure tloundation 
of happiness to all America : AND WHEREAS 
in their humble addresse, they have ffreely 
declared, that it is much on their hearts (if 
they may be permitted), to hold forth a livelie 
experiment, that a most flourishing civill state 
may stand and best bee maintained, and that 
among our English subjects, with a full libertie 
in religious concernments; and that true piety 
rightly grounded upon gospell principles, will 
give the best and greatest security to sover- 
eigntye, and will lay in the hearts of men the 
strongest obligations to true loyaltye: NOW 
KNOW YEE, that wee, beinge willinge to en- 
courage the hopefull undertakinge of oure sayd 
loyall and loveinge subjects, and to secure them 
in the free exercise and enjoyment of all theire 
civill and religious rights, appertaining to 
Ihem, as our loveing subjects; and to preserve 
unto them that libertye, in the true Chris- 
tian ffaith and worshipp of God, which they 
have sought with soe much triavaill, and with 
peaceable myndes, and loyall subjectione to 
our royall progenitors and ourselves, to enjoye; 
and because some of the people and inhabitants 
of the same colonic cannot, in theire private 
opinions, conforme to the publique exercise of 
religion, according to the litturgy, formes and 
ceremonyes of the Church of England, or take 
or subscribe the oaths and articles made and 
establislied in that behalfe; and for that the 



16 



.ame, by reason of the .e.nole .l.s.anees ol those 
place's, will (as wee hope) -^^ "-. ^"f.f „ 
The tM>itie and unilTornulie es abhshe, m tl s 
nation: ...doe hereby. . declare. That our 
"oyall will an.l pleasure is, that noe pcrso 
'^ inn the sayd colonye, at any ty»- '-';»» : 
shall bee any wise molested, P"" ^edj^^'^ 
nuieted, or called in question, tor any d.fter 
ences in opinione in matters of rehg.on and 
doe not aclually disturb the civiU peace o ou 
sayd colony; but that all an.l eyerye pe son 
and persons may, from tyn.e to tyme, and a 
a Itymes hereafter treelye and fuUye have and 
enioye his and theire owne judgments and 
eoisciences, in matters of religious eoncern- 
m throughout the ^tract of lande hereafter 

;;,entioned: \hey behaving ^^'"^'^^^^^ 
abhe and quietlie. and not usemg this libert e 
to lycentiousnesse and profaneness, nor to the 
civill iniurye or outward dislurbeance of 
Others; any lawo, statute, or clause therem 
contavned. or to bee contayned, usage oi cus 
tome "of this realme, to the contrary hereof, in 
any wise, notwithstanding. And that they niay 
bee in the better capacity to defend themse ves 
in theire just rights and libertyes agmns all 
the enemies of the Christian ffaith, and others, 
in all respects, ^vee. .. .further. declare 
That they shall have and enjoye the benelitt ot 
our late act ot indempnity and ffree pardon, 
as the rest of our subjects in other our domm- 
lons and territoryes have; and to create and 
make them a body politique or corporate, with 
the iDowers and privileges hereinafter men- 
tioned. And accordingely. . . .wee. . . .doc or- 
devne. constitute and declare. That they, the 
sa;'d William Brenton. . . (and others) . . .and 
all" such others as now are, or hereafter shall 
be admitted and made ffree of the company 
and societie of our coUonio of Providence Plan- 
tations, in the Narragansett Bay, in New Eng- 



17 



land, shall bee, from tyme to tyme, and for- 
ever hereafter, a bodie corporate and politique, 
....bv the name of TIIK (lOVERNOH AND 
COMPANY OF THE ENGLISH COLLONIE 
OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE 
PLANTATIONS, IN NE:\V ENGLAND, IN 

AMERICA AND FURTHER, wee doe 

declare. . • that. . . .there shall bee one Gover- 
nour, one Deputie-Governour and ten Assist- 
ants, to bee from tyme to tyme. . . .chosen, out 
of the freemen of the sayd Company, for the 
tyme beinge, in such manner and florme as is 
hereafter in these presents expressed;. .. .And 
. . . .wee doe. . . .apoynt the aforesaid Benedict 
Arnold to bee the first and present Governor 
of the sayd Company, and the sayd William 
Hrenton to bee the Dei)uty-Governor, and the 
sayd William Boulston, John Porter, Roger 
Williams, Thomas Olnie, John Smith, John 
Greene,John Coggeshall, James Barker, Will- 
iam F'tield, and Joseph Clarke, to bee the ten 
present Assistants of the sayd Companye. . . . 
AND FURTHER, wee. . • doe ordeyne. . . . that 
the Governor of the sayd Companye, for the 
tyme being, or, in his absence,. . . .the Deputy- 
Governor,. .• shall and may, ffrom tyme to 
tyme, upon all occasions, give order ttor the 
assemblinge of the sayd Company, and callinge 
them together, to consult and advise of the 
businesse and affaires of the sayd Company. 
AND THAT forever hereafter, twice in every 
year, that is to say, on every first Wednesday in 
the month of May, and on every last Wednesday 
in Oclobcr, or oftener, in case it shall bee 
requisite, the Assistants, and such of the ffree- 
men of the Companye,not exceeding six persons 
ffor Newport, Ifoure persons ffor each of the 
respective townes of Providence, Portsmouth, 
and Warwicke, and two persons for each other 
place, towne or city, whoe shall bee, from tyme 
to tyme, thereunto elected or deputed by the 

18 



majour i)arfe of the tl'recinen of the resi)cctive 
townes or places rtor wliich they shall hee so 
elected or deputed, shall have a generall meet- 
inge, or Assembly then and there to consult, 
advise and determine, in and about the afiaires 
and businesse of the said Company and Plan- 
tations. AND FURTHER, wee doe graunt 

unto the sayd Governour and Company. . . . 
that the Governour. . . . (or Deputy-Governor) 
.... the Assistants, and such of the tlreemen 
of the sayd Company as shall bee soe as afore- 
sayd elected or deputed, or soe many of them 
as shall bee present att such meetings or as- 
semblye, as aforesayde, shall bee called the 
Generall Assemblye; and that they, or the 
greatest parte of them present, whereof the 
Governor or Deputy-Governor, and sixe of the 
Assistants, at least to bee seven, shall have. . . . 
fTull power (and) authority .... to appoynt, 
alter and change, such dayes, tymes and places 
of meetinge and Generall Assemblye, as theye 
shall thinice flitt; AND FURTHER. . . .wee doe 
• • . .ordeyne, that yearelie. . . . the aforesayd 
Wednesday in May, and at the towne of New- 
port, or elsewhere, if urgent occasion doe re- 
quire, the Governour, Deputy-Governour and 
Assistants of the sayd Company, and other 
officers of the sayd Company, or such of them 
as the Generall Assemblye shall thinke fiitt, 
shall bee, in the sayd Generall Court or Assem- 
bly to bee held from that day or tyme, newly 
chosen for the year ensuing, by such greater 
part of the sayd Company, for the tyme beinge, 
as shall bee then and there present;. . . .Never- 
thelesse, our will and pleasure is, and wee doe 
hereby declare to the rest of our Collonies in 
New England, that itt shall not bee lawefull 
f!or this our sayd Collony. . . . to invade the na- 
tives inhabitating within the boundes and 
limitts of theire sayd Collonies without the 
knowledge and consent of the sayd other Col- 

19 



Ionics. And ill is hereby declared, thai ill shall 
nol bee lawfull to or flor the rest of the Collo- 
nics to invade or molest the native Indians, or 
any other inhabitants, inhabiting within the 
bounds and lymitts hercat'ter mentioned (Ihey 
having subjected tliemselves unto us, and being 
by us taken into our spcciall protection), with- 
out the knowledge and consent of the Gover- 
nor and Company of our Collony of RJiode 
Island and Providence Plintations. . . . And 
fl'urther, know ye, that wee. . .doe give, graunt 
and confirme, unto the sayd Governour and 
Company, and Iheire successours, all that parte 
of our dominions in New-England, in America, 
conlayneing the Nahantick and Nanhyganset 
Ba3% and country es and partes adjacent, bound- 
ed on the west, or westerly, to the middle or 
channel of a river Ihere, commonly called and 
known by the name of Pawcatuck, alias Paw- 
cawtuck river, and along the sayd river, as the 
greater or middle slreamc thereof reacheth 
or lyes vpp into the north countrye, northward 
unto the head thereof, and from thence, by a 
streight Ij'ne drawne due north, untill itt meets 
with the south lyne of the Massachusetts Col- 
lonie; and on the north, or northerly, by the 
aforesayd south or southerly lyne of the Massa- 
chusetts Collony or Plantation, and extending 
towards the east, or caslwardly, three English 
miles to the east and northeast of the most 
eastern and northeastern parts of the 
aforesayd Narragansett Bay, as the sayd 
Bay lyeth or exlendeth itself from the 
ocean on the south, or southwardly, unto 
the mouth of the river which runneth 
towards the towne of Providence, and from 
thence along the eastw^ardly side or banke of the 
sayd river (higher called by the name of Sea- 
cunck river), up to the ffals called Patuckett 
ffals, being the most westwardly lyne of Ply- 
mouth Collony, and soe from the sayd ffals, 

20 



HI a streight lyiie, due north, uiilill itt nieete 
with the alorosayd lyne of the Massachusotts 
Collony; aiul hounded on the south hy tlie 
ocean; and in particular, the lands belonging to 
the townes of Providence, Pawtuxet, Warwicke, 
Misquaniniacok, alias Pawcatuck, and the rest 
upon the niaine land in the tract aforesaid, to- 
gether with Rliode-Island, Block-Island, and 
all the rest of the islands and banks in the Nar- 
ragansett Bay, and bordering upon the coast 
of the tract, aforesayd, (Ftisher's Island only 
excepted),. ... any graunt, or clause in a late 
graunt, to the Governour and Company of Con- 
necticut Collony, in America, to the contrary 
thereof in any wise notwithstanding. . . . AND 
FURTHER, our will and pleasure is, that in all 
matters of public controversy w^hich may fall 
out betweene our Collony of Providence Plan- 
tations, and the rest of our Collonies in New- 
England, itt shall and may bee lawfuU to 
and for the Governour and Company of the 
sayd Collony of Providence Plantations to make 
their appeals therein to us. . . ., for redresse in 
such cases, within this our realme of England: 
and that itt shall be lawfull to and for the in- 
habitants of the sayd Collony. . . ., without let 
or molestation, to passe and repasse with free- 
dome, into and through the rest of the English 
Collonies, upon their lawfull and civill occa- 
sions, and to converse, and hold commerce and 
trade, with such of the inhabitants of our other 
English Collonies as shall be willing to admitt 
them thereunto, they haveing themselves 
peaceably among them .... " 

The Colony progressed and throve for almost two 
hundred years under this charter, which remained the fun- 
damental law of tlie "Colony" and later the "State of Rhode 
Island and Providence Plantations" until the adoption of 
the State Constitution in 1842. Had it not been 
for the mistaken effort on the part of Coddington in obtain- 

21 



ing his commission there might have been no such Imrry 
to secure this royal charter, or such effort to make it com- 
pletely satisfactory to the independent self governing col- 
onists. So that perhaps after all that most interesting 
commission which at the time caused such anxiety and 
distress to the people of our Island may have been the 
means of forwarding and not retarding the great principle 
of free government of which our charter and our State 
have ever been the leading exponents. 



22 



THE LOG OF THE LAWRENCE 



A Paper Read Before the Society February \9th, 1923, by the 

Librarian 

One hundred and ten years ago a splendid patriotic 
fervor was astir in the bosoms of several young men of 
old Newport. Born on the shores of Narragansett Bay, 
amphibious by nature and desire, their chosen field of 
activity was the sea; and they were sailors by instinct and 
predestination even before they had actually trodden the 
deck of a deep water ship, or grasped with yet unhardened 
hands the rough cordage that hoisted, set and trimmed to 
the varying breezes the great sails whose supremacy as the 
motive power of navigation was as yet unimpaired by the 
uncertain dawn of steam. 

Of these youths the presiding spirit was Oliver Hazard 
Perry, who had chosen the navy for his profession, had 
already distinguished himself by brilliant service in for- 
eign waters, and was at this time in command of a flotilla 
of gun-boats stationed at Newport. Chafing under the inac-^ 
tivity of this duty, and yearning for the opportunities for 
advancement which the struggle for the control of the 
Great Lakes seemed to offer. Perry solicited and obtained a 
transfer from Newport to the naval base at Sackett's Har- 
bour, then under the command of Commodore Chauncey. 

Strongly illustrative of the true patriotism of those 
days are the circumstnaccs attending the departure of Com- 
mander Perry from Newport. He had been in the enjoy- 
ment of what might be termed a comfortable little command 
— this snug little squadron of gun-boats safely at anchoi 
in one of the finest harbours in the world — a brilliant record 
of service already to look back upon, and the consciousness* 
of doing at the present time all that was demanded or ex- 

23 



pccted of him. But besides all these good and .ulecinate 
reasons for professional peace of mind and contenlmeni 
there was a still more powerful motive to hold him fast, as 
with the anchor that was the symbol of his native state, to 
the shores of Xarragansett Bay. He was married — recently 
and most happily married— and a little son was already 
(being taught by his adoring mother to watch with welcom- 
ing eyes for ilhe home-coming of husband and father, when- 
ever official duty sanctioned that most natural indulgence. 
Moreover, Winter held Newport in its grasp; and the 
home fireside was a snug and delightful spot to return to, 
when the day's task was ended. Comparisons are odious, 
but, secretly, we cannot help wondering whether many of 
our young benedicts of today would have torn themselves 
from the restraining arms of wife and child, to set out in 
the grim rigors of our New England Winter for a vague 
goal in a semi-wilderness merely for the sake of country 
and renown. 

From earliest childhood the peculiar charm of Perry's 
personality had impressed all those who came in contact 
with him. And now that he had become a leader of men, 
the same magnetic influence seemed to inspire in his fol- 
lowers a devotion such as was ascribed to the troops who 
served under the great Napoleon. When it became known 
that their commander had been ordered to another station, 
the crews of the flotilla of gun-boats in Newport harbour, 
volunteered, or, rather, clamored to be permitted to ac- 
company him. Perry selected from the best and fittest 
of the number one hundred and fifty men, and on the seven- 
teenth of February, 1813, he dispatched a detachment of 
fifty men, under command of Sailing-Master Almy, on the 
long road through the wilderness to Sackett's Harbour. 
Does not this name, Almy, bring this epic of Perry close 
home to us? Does it not strongly help us to realize that 
this expedition, hastily organized, was composed of young 
men, little older than our High School graduates of to-day, 
taken from under the roof-trees of our quaint old Newport 
dwellings? A second force of the same number, fifty, wa.s 
sent forward on the nineteenth, under the command of 
Sailing-Master Champlin; and on the twenty-first the final 
detachment was dispatched, in command of SaiHng-Master 

24 



Taylor. On the hvcnty-sccond, Washington's Birthday, 
Perry himself started on the long trail. Almy, Chaniphn, 
Taylor, Perry, — was ever a great achievement, destined for 
glorions immortality more completely monopolized by one 
little Colonial town? And the boys who followed these 
Newport leaders with contidence and enthusiasm, over 
frozen streams, through dense forests, on foot, in the biting 
cold of a long and severe winter, sang and shouted for joy, 
as they romped along, and termed the journey a "land 
cruise." 

William V. Taylor, the sailing-master placed in charge 
of the third and last detachment of men sent out from 
Newport, is the man who wrote the greater part of this 
record of occurrences on board the U. S. Sloop of Wai- 
LAWRENCE, which, under the title of THE LOG OF THE 
LAWRENCE, we hold as one of our most valuable historic 
relics. Taylor served as Perry's sailing-master during the 
progress of the famous battle, and he was one of the otiicers 
left on board the disabled LAWRENCE, when Perry trans- 
ferred his flag from her to the NIAGARA. The duties of 
a sailing master in those days parallel closely those of a 
chief engineer in our times; for they consisted in making 
(setting) shortening, and trimming sail, and manoeuvering 
the ship, just as ithe control of the engines today augments 
or diminishes the vessel's speed, stops her altogether, and 
starts her again upon her course. There is, however, this 
very great difference between them; the sailing-master 
was on deck, exposed to all the dangers of the combatants, 
while the chief engineer's duties are performed within 
great walls of steel, which exclude the nerve-racking din 
and tumult of the conflict while minimizing the personal 
danger of its efifects. 

It would appear that no measure of praise could be too 
great to bestow upon our hero. Perry. He started from 
Newport on the 22nd of February, 1813. Exactly two 
hundred days later he vanquished the Rritish fleet. It is 
diflicult to realize the fact that all, or practically all the 
vessels under his command during that action, were built, 
equipped and manned within that brief space of less than 
seven months. And it was Perry's indomitable will, his 
energy, his efTiciency, and above all his patriotic fervor, his 

25 



yearning to be foremost in flinging back from the bounda- 
ries of his beloved country the hordes of ruthless invaders 
who had invoked the aid of savages with knife and tom- 
ahawk to augment the terrors of a cruel and devastating 
warfare, that overcame all obstacles of time and space, and 
led to his immortal achievement. And this hero was but 
twenty-seven years of age. 

The whole story of Perry's experiences, between -the 
time of his setting forth from New^)ort and the moment 
when, the noise of battle ceased, his pencil traced the 
famous words: "We have met the Enemy and they are ours." 
is one of a long, up-hill climb, a ceaseless conflict with tre> 
mendous odds. More than once his bodily strength yielded 
to the struggle. Fever laid him low, fatigue overwhelmed 
him. But always his spirit, aflame like the sacred fire on 
the altar of patriotism, scorning the ills of the flesh, spurred 
him upward and onward to fresh endeavour. It is not 
inconceivable that however unconsciously. Perry was actu- 
ally sacrificing his young life in this bitter struggle; for 
the terrific drain at this time on his physical powers, may 
have been a contributing cause of his untimely death, which 
occurred only six years later. 

Nothing went easily. After the ships had been built, 
the forest trees having been felled for their construction, and 
the work having been done almost on the very spot marked 
by their prostrate trunks, it was found impossible to float 
them over the bar of sand that proitected the little harbour 
of Erie, into the deeper water of the lake. Even this me- 
chanical problem was solved, in part at least, by the astute 
mind of Perr>\ Pontoons were constructed, which, placed 
under the ships, raised them until Hheir keels were a few- 
inches clear of the sands of the bar. And while this tedious 
operation was in progress, the enemy fleet, under Commo- 
dore Barclay, hovered in the ofling, as it were daring the 
young American commander to come out and give them 
battle. Day after day these torments of Tantalus were re- 
newed; and when at last Perry's ships were actually afloat 
on tlie lake, the enemy had for the time being disappeared. 

It is interesting to note the dimensions of the principal 
vessels of Perry's scjuadron, in a comparison with sailing 
vessels of our time. The two brigs, the LAWRENCE and the 

26 



NIAGARA, were what is known as "sister ships;" they 
were the same in size and rig and general form of con- 
struction, as also in weight and quality of armament. They 
were 141 feet in length over all, 30 feet beam, and of 480 
tons burthen; their draught, laden and equipped, was 
about nine feet. They carried from 135 io 150 men each, 
and their armament consisted of twenty guns, 18 short 32- 
pounders, and two long 12-pounders each. In April and 
early May, if we step down to the end of one of our wharves, 
overlooking the inner harbour, we can see many a beau- 
tiful Gloucester fishing schooner at anchor there, which in 
size is about the same as Perry's biggest fighting ship. 

On the sixth of August Perry got his whole squadron 
underway and stood across the lake for a point on the 
Canadian shore behind which he expected to find the enemy 
lleet. But they were not there, and the squadron returned 
to Erie. On the twelfth another departure was effected. 
Perry's squadron cruising, in battle formation, toward the 
northern end of the lake. The harassing circumstances 
which had attended the expedition from the very start, stih 
obtained. Much sickness prevailed among both men and 
ollicers, so severe in many cases as to render its victims 
altogether unfit for duty. Perry himself was stricken down 
and confined for a whole week to his berth. 

Dr. Parsons, the medical ofiicer on board the LAW- 
RENCE, was himself attacked by the malignant disease, 
and became so enfeebled that he could not stand upon his 
feet. But animated apparently by the same unconquerable 
spirit that possessed his beloved commander, the brave 
officer had himself carried, on a stretcher, to the deck, and 
lying there, he examined and prescribed for the disabled 
seamen who were borne, likewise on stretchers, to his side. 

Prominent among the features of discouragement which 
had confronted the expedition ever since the building of 
the ships had been commenced, w^as the lack of able-bodied, 
trained seamen to man them. It was but a motley assem- 
blage, indeed, that trod the decks of the LAWRENCE and 
llie other vessels of the squadron. They were raw hands, 
for the most part, who had been whipped into discipline 
and training, so to speak, by the eternal ai)plication and 
energy and vigilance of their commander, in the brief space 

27 



oi" a few weeks. The original band of hardy adventurers 
wliich had started from Newport, had been broken into 
fragments l)y the force of circumstances. Some of them 
had been requisitioned to the immediate service of Commo- 
dore Chauncey, on Lake Ontario; others had dropped out 
altogetlier, ilhiess had eliminated many. And now disease 
was rampant among the crews which, even in the fullness 
of health antl strength, had l)een deemed inadequate for 
file great purpose iu view. 

So constant, and of such volume, was the torrent of 
adverse circumstances which Perry was heroically endeav- 
ouring to overcome, that, had he been superstitious, he 
might have imagined the Quaker traditions of his ancestors, 
which condemn the use of the sword, as animating the 
forces arrayed against him. 

The British squadron, which Perry had hoped to dis- 
cover behind the shelter of Long Point, on the Canadian 
shore, had moved thence to the great naval base of Maiden, 
where the guns of a powerful fortress afiorded ample pro- 
tection. Perry, undaunted by the deterring conditions 
prevailing in his own fleet — sickness, short-handedness, and 
insufficiency of training — availed himself of favoring winds, 
and bore down upon the entrance to the harbour in wdiich 
the enemy had taken refuge. There for several days he 
stood off and on, blockading the port and flaunting bold 
defiance in tlie face of the enemy; a counter-challenge to 
that deUvered ten days previously by the British oil" the har- 
bour of Erie, while Perry's biggest ships were still impris- 
oned behind the sand bar. But Commodore Barclay, in 
command of the British squadron, was himself laboring 
imder a conviction of unreadiness for combat; he wished 
to await the completion of a powerful ship, the DP^TBOIT, 
which was ahnost prepared to become a valuable addition 
to his fighting force. A change of wind which rendered 
Perrj's proximity to 'the enemy harbour precarious, deter- 
mined the raising of the blockade and another fruitless 
return to Erie. 

Thus, in this weary pastime of shilly-shallying — of 
flirtation with death and destruction — a period of feverish 
anxiety and bafiled hope rolled slowly by. At last — on the 
evening of September 9th, Barclay set sail, and with his 

28 



whole squadron, including the new DETROIT, moved out 
from under the protecting batteries of Maiden, into the 
open waters of the lake. 

On the 'tenth of September, at daybreak, the look-out at 
the masthead of the LAWRENCE descried the upper sails 
of the British fleet on the horizon line. Perry immethately 
got underway and proceeded under easy sail in their direc- 
tion. 

Our LOG now takes up the story: 
Friday, lOtli. Sept., 18i:5. 

Commences fresh breezes from tlie westward and cloudy. 
Variously employed makint^ up grape, etc. Middle pari 
fresh breezes and pleasant. At daylight discovered the 
enemy's fleet in the N. W. Made the signal immediately 
to the squadron to get underway. At 6 A. M. the squadron 
all underway working out to windward of Snake Island to 
keep the weather gauge. Wind at S. W. At 7 discovered 
the whole of the enemy's squadron — viz., two ships, two 
brigs, one schooner, one sloop with their larboard tacks 
aboard to the Westward, about ten miles distant. At ten 
cleared away Snake Island and formed in order of battle, 
LAWRENCE ahead, bore up for the enemy and called all 
hands to quarters. At a quarter before Meridian the enemy 
commenced the action at about one mile distant. Ordered 
the Scorpion, who was on our weather bow, to fire on the 
enemy, the LAWRENCE endeavouring to close with Hiem 
as fast as possible, and at Meridian commenced the action 
on our part. 

Ends light winds and fair weather — sea smooth. West 
Sister two miles to the Sou'thward and Westward. 

At half past Meridian within musket shot of the enemy's 
new ship DETROIT. At this time they opened a most 
destructive fire on the LAWRENCE from tlieir whole s([uad- 
ron. Continued to near them as fast as possible. At half 
past one P. M. so entirely disabled that we could work the 
brig no longer. Called the men from tlie lo|)s and nuu'ines 
to man the guns. At this time our braces, bowlines, sheets 
and in fad almost every strand of rigging cut off, masts and 
spars cut through in various places. At 2 P. M. most of the 
guns dismounted, breechings gone, carriages knocked to 

29 









/I 


/' 






\^ ,i!/u^ f_' 




.2 


JL- 


m. 


\ ' " " 


■"J 


r^..r.:f 




■ X-, , ^ . .^ /^ .^. .^ - y% r i • '^ 




y' 


■A,:......C ••'--' ' 


-^ 


7 








- ^/!t ..,, : 

' ■^■'^y.^/.k. . 














^r ^^^ /i.\f.J.. J-'X^.X ..^„. ^./^ 


..^^ ^^^ — . i^ 










A^. --r-r-.s." ^^/if /i.., .r^^.-.-. ,<i <-. 


^.<.„,. .; .^ /i>>: 










jt. ../ ^yi>j,X. .;..,: j^.'y. 


/• < 


















> 

f 















LOG OF THE LAWRENCE 



pieces. Called the few surviviniv men from the first divi- 
sion to man the i^uns aft. At half past 2 P. M., when not 
another gun could he fired or worked from the LAWRENCE, 
Capt. Perry determined on leaviiii^ her. He took some hands 
in the first cutter and went on hoard the NIAGARA. About 
ten minutes after Capit. Perry got on board the NIAGARA, 
Lieutenants Yarnell and Forrest and Sailing-Master Taylor 
concluded as no further resistance could be made from this 
brig and to save the further eft'usion of human blood, 
agreed to haul down our colors. Immediately after Capt. 
Perry took charge of the NIAGARA all possible sail was 
made to close with the enemy and in fifteen minutes Capt. 
Perry past through the British squadron having the DE- 
TROIT, QUEEN CHARLOTTE and a brig on the starboara 
side and a brig on the larboard, and silenced their fire. Ten 
minutes before 3 P. M. they hauled dow^n their colours. The 
two small vessels attempted to escape but were overhauled 
and struck their colours. A few minutes past 3 the firing 
ceased when the whole fleet was brought to anchor. Em- 
ployed through the night securing prisoners and repairing 
rigging, etc. At 9 A. M. weighed with the wdiole fleet and 
stood for Put-In-Bay. At Meridian came to in 5 fathoms 
water. Winds light and Westerly. 



In order to throw further light upon the conditions pre- 
vailing in Perr\''s squadron a few days before and a few 
days after the great battle, we quote from the Log as 
follows : 

Saturday, Sept. 4, 1813. 

Commences fresh breezes and flying clouds. Last even- 
ing Lieutenant Turner was ordered to take command of the 
Caledonia. \'ariously employed about the rigging, receiv- 
ing stores on board, etc. Ariel' ordered to the east point of 
fhc> bay. At 5 P. M. exercised great guns. A't 2 P. M, Ariel 
returned and anchored, bringing some i)otatoes, green corn, 
etc. Midnight moderate and pleasant. At half past 4 A. M. 
saw a small sail in the W. N. W. Ordered the Ariel to chase 
It i)roved to be an American coasting sloop. Latter part 

31 



gentle breezes and pleasant. Employed stowing hold, reev- 
ing yard and stay tackles and various other jobs. Niagara's 
first cutter came alongside with two bullocks. Twenty-seven 
men unfit for duty by the surgeon's report. 

Sunday, Sept. 5. 

Commences light westerly breezes and pleasant weather. 
Scorpion ordered down to the east point of the bay. At 5 
P. M. exercised great guns. Otherwise variously employed. 
At 10 P. M. Scorpion returned and anchored. Middle part 
gentle breezes and fine weather. At 11 P. M. called all hands 
to muster. Latter part light winds, weather pleasant. 
Twenty-four men unfit for duty by the surgeon's report. 
Last evening the Ohio sailed for Erie. 

Monday, Sept. 6. 

Commences gentle breezes and fine weather. At 1 P. M. 
first cutter returned from Seneca with letters, papers, etc. 
A boat came alongside with potatoes, corn, bread, beef, 
beans, etc. It piovcd a very seasonable supply to us. A canoe 
with three men from Maiden came alongside and were sepa- 
rately examined. Middle part light variable winds and fair 
weather. Considerable current from the N. \V. Hove in 
the cable. At 8 A. M. crossed top-gallant yards. Received 
from the shore two bullocks and some potatoes wliich were 
distributed among the squadron. Variously employed on 
the rigging, fitting grape shot, and flying jib for the Scor- 
pion, hammocks, etc. Ends gentle breezes and fair weath- 
er. Exercised great guns by divisions. Twenty-two men 
unfit for duly by the surgeon's report. 

Tuesday, 7 Sept. 

Commences light winds and pleasant weather. At 1 P. 
M. made the preparative for the scfuadron to get underway. 
At 2 P. M. got underway with the squadron and stood for 
Put-in-Hay. At half-i)ast 4 P. M. passed between Middle 
Bass Island and P)all()n's Island. At 5 came to in Put-In-Hay 
in 5 fathoms water. At quarter past five squadron all safe 
at anchor. Sent first cutter lishing, but caught none. Middle 
part gentle bteezes and cloudy. At 5 A. M. called all hands 
to wash antl scrub hammocks, bags and clothes. Sent firsi 

• 32 



culler lor ballasl, and second culler fishing. Latter pan 
light winds and ck)udy. Variously employed, carpenter fit- 
ting top-gallant mast. Fitting grape shot. Sailmakcr mak- 
ing fiying-jib for Scorpion. Exercised guns by divisiorrs. 
Seventeen men unlit for duty by the surgeon's report. 

Wednesday, 8 Sept. 

Commences light winds and cloudy. Took on board 
about three tons stone ballast and one boat load of wood. 
At 5 P. M. beat to quarters and exercised great guns and 
small arms. At 8 P. M. weather of a threatening api)earance. 
Gave her 15 fathoms more of cable. Middle part dark 
weather and constant rain. Latter part fresh breezes and 
thick weather with rain. Variously employed fitting grape, 
reeving preventer braces, etc. Nineteen men unlit for duty 
by the surgeon's report, exclusive of oliicers. 

Thursday, 9 Sept. 

Commences fresh breezes and thick weather with light 
rain. At 4 P. M. sent llrst cutter fishing. Middle part strong 
variable winds and rain. At 9 A. M. sent first culler fishing. 
Latter part fresh breezes with Hying clouds. Variously em- 
ployed. Carpenter fitting new topmast. Gunners fitting 
grape and tubes. Sailmaker on flying-jib for Scorpion and 
hammocks, etc., etc. General order issued for boiling water 
previously to its being used. Twenty-nine people on board 
unfit for duly by the surgeon's report. 1 have hitherto men> 
tioned only the binnacle list, which does not include the 
officers sick. 

Sunday, 12th Sept. 

Commences light westerly winds and fair weather. 
Employed wilh some hands from the other vessels fishing 
our masts, two lower yards, main boom. Got down top- 
gallant yards, mast and rigging, flying jib-boom. Cleaning 
shi]) and taking care of itlie sick and wounded. Fresh breezes 
from the west through the night. At 5 A. M. blowing quite 
a gale. Veered out 40 fathoms cable and struck lower 
yards. Variously employed clearing our decks, attending the 
w^ounded and sick. Buried the deceased oliicers, American 
and English, with the honours of war. p:nds moderate 

33 



breezes and pleasan't. Strong Current from the east. In 
consequence of the gale this morning the Queen Charlotte 
struck adrift and got foul of the Detroit. All their masts 
being nearly cut off in the engagement, they fell by the 
board — except ihe Queen's foremast. 



The document in which all these events are recorded is 
called : "Occurrences and Remarks on Board the U. S. Sloop 
of War Lawrence of Twenty Guns . . O. H. Perrj% Esq., 
Commander." 

Subsequent entries show that the LAWRENCE was 
used directly after the battle to convey the sick and wounded 
from Pul-In-Bay to Erie. The brave ship was eventually 
sold and broken up. 



34 



SOCIETY NOTES 



One of our best friends, Mr. 
T. T, Pitman, has recently pre- 
sented to the Society a portrait 
of his great-grandfather, Tho- 
mas Goddard. Attached to 
the frame of the portrait is 
the key to the shop — a carpen- 
ter's shop — which stood ch)se 
to the water's edge, on Wash- 
ington street, and was known 
throughout the length and 
breadth of Newport as "(lOd- 
dard's Shop." Thomas (lod- 
dard, who was born in ITt).") 
and died in 1858, and his fath- 
er before him, have immor- 
talized the family name in the 
furniture which by reason of 
its exquisite design and work- 
manship commands today al- 
most fabulous prices. In that 
old shop Goddard worked; in 
that old shop the benevolence? 
of the smile that greets us in 
his portrait made happier the 
hearts of those who came with- 
in its radius — and there were 
many of them. For "God- 
dard's Shop" was tlie gathering 
place of the dwellers on the 
"Point," many of whom were 
fisliermen, and so strong was 
their love of the water and oT 
their boats that tloated on it, 
that even after they had come 
ashore from a day's lishing, 
they would rather linger about 
the old shop, within sight an(f 



sound of them, than go home. 
Thomas Goddard's portrait 
is a welcome and valuable ad- 
dition to the Society's collect 
tions, and the key still, opens 
the door to happy memories. 

In the Directors' Room is a 
special exhibition of articles 
which once belonged to Gilbert 
Stuart and Miss Jane Stuart. 
The discovery of these interest- 
ing souvenirs of the great 
painter, and of his daughter, 
who so endpared herself to the 
citizens of Newport, is of re- 
cent date, and for their acqui- 
sition the Society is indebted 
to three kind and generous 
friends who for the present de- 
sire to conceal their identity. 

The rigors of our winter have 
reduced to a small minimum 
the number of visitors to the 
rooms. l)Ut tlie business of 
tlie Society has maintained its 
noi-mal activity. Meetings have 
been held witli customary reg- 
uhirity — not only lliose of the 
Society itseH", but also those* of 
the various associations which 
have the privilege of renting 
the rooms for that puri)ose. 
Correspondence witli other in- 
stitutions of like nature, and 
in reference to genealogical re- 
search, has been of the usual 
volume. 



OFFICERS 

OF THE 

Newport Historical Society 

For the year ending May^ ^9^3 



President, RODERICK TERRY 
First Vice-President, FRANK K. STURGIS 

Second Vice-President, ALFRED TUCKERMAN 

Third Vice-President, DARIUS BAKER 
Recording Secretary, LLOYD M. MAYER 
Corresponding Secretary, MAUD LYMAN STEVENS 
Treasurer, HENRY C. STEVENS. Jr. 
Librarian and Assistant Treasurer, LLOYD M. MAYER 
Curator of Coins and Medals, EDWIN P. ROBINSON 
Assistant Librarian, GERTRUDE E. ELLIOTT 
Clerk, ANNIE BURN 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: 

FOR ONE YEAR 

MRS. THOMAS A. LAWTON MRS. W. W. COVELL 

MRS. PAUL FITZSIMONS MRS. DANIEL B. FEARING 

FOR TWO YEARS 

MRS. HAROLD BROWN MISS EDITH M. TILLEY 

DR. WILLIAM S. SHERMAN MRS. WILLIAM H. BIRCKHEAD 

FOR THREE YEARS 

MRS. C. L. F. ROBINSON MRS. CHAS. C. GARDNER 

JONAS BERGNER LAWRENCE L. GILLESPIE 

36 



COMMITTEES 



FINANCE 

RODERICK TERRY DARIUS BAKER 

FRANK K. STURGIS THE TREASURER, fj-<>(ficio 

LIBRARY 

MRS. CHARLES C. GARDNER THE LIBRARIAN 

MRS. WILLIAM H. BIRCKHEAD DR. WILLIAM S. SHERMAN 

MUSEUM 

MISS MAUD L. STEVENS JONAS BERGNER 

MRS. W. W. COVELL 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS 

JONAS BKRGNER EDWIN P. ROBINSON 

L. L. GILLESPIE 

LITERARY EXERCISES AND PUBLICATIONS 

THE PRESIDENT THE LIBRARIAN 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE 

STANLEY C. HUGHES MRS. AUCHINCLOSS 

AUDITOR 

DARIUS BAKER 



Bulletins of the Society for sale at the Society's Room. 



37 



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